“FEAR GOD AND GIVE HIM GLORY”Christadelphian thoughts based on the daily readings for 26th June 2016
In 1 Samuel ch. 8 we read how Samuel was displeased because the people ask him to appoint a king for them. As events turn out Saul becomes king; a good king, but only by human standards. Then in Isaiah ch.52 (the prelude to that wonderful and familiar ch. 53) we are told – commanded – from the start of the chapter, “Awake, awake, put on your strength, O Zion … O Jerusalem, the holy city”
We should take this as message to ”awake” as being for us personally! We need to be “awake” – and see the comparisons with their need to be awake!
Verse 5 tells us that in Isaiah’s days, as is the case today, “continually all the day my (God’s) name is despised.” And then, wonderfully, Isaiah is caused to look forward to the time when “The LORD has bared his holy arm beforethe eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.”
[v.10]
That verse is a fitting prelude to our chapter in Revelation of how “on Mount Zion stood the Lamb” [14 v.1]. An angel has “an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people.”
[v.6]
The Lamb of God has become a king and God’s “holy arm” is seen by ” the eyes of all the nations.” A “loud voice” is heard saying, “”Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth… “
[v.7]
The Lamb of God is now the world’s king and “every nation” is now in awe.
Think of the awesome significance of v. 8 when another angel comes on the scene and announces, ” “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality.”
We meditate on the word ‘Babylon’! This is the Greek translation of the word ‘Babel’ and we remember God’s judgement on the original Babel (Genesis 11 v.5-9)
Verse 12 in Revelation is one for us to particularly note. ” Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.” Let us heed this call today.
Those familiar with the A V will know that “endurance” is rendered there as “patience.” It is a word which significantly occurs just 7 times in Revelation.
How much patient endurance will those who “fear God” need before the time when they can literally “give him glory.”? When we come to ch. 16 we will read in verse 9 of those who ” did not repent and give him glory.” Let us“fear God” today “and give him glory.” We can do this in the way we think and talk about him, revealing our faith – for “the hour of his judgment” must be nearly here.
By Bro D.Caudery
